Why hardware needs to go open source

Forget Apple's infamous secrecy: the key to better hardware is unlocking the designs and releasing them open source on the web, according to one tech founder.

The rise of 3D printing led to concerns about copyright infringement spreading from digital goods to physical things, but there's little to be done about such theft -- and much to be won by sharing, according to Wevolver founder Bram Geenen. "People are still worried about it, but more and more people start to realise that designs are being stolen anyway," Geenen said at WIRED 2015 NextGen, at London's Tobacco Dock. "And people are realising that open source adds value... [and] benefiting businesses that collaborate."

Wevolver lets people share hardware designs, such as those in the maker movement or developing crowdfunding projects. They can simply use each other's work, but also add to or expand them. "What's most inspiring is you can innovate on it," he tells WIRED.

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3D printing, controlling a robot, laser cutting and engraving

Vincent Whiteman WIRED

An example sat next to us at the Maker Space at WIRED NextGen came in the form of a bright orange, 3D-printed robot with eyes actively scanning the room. That project ('InMoov' by Gael Langevin) has found worldwide approval by allowing users to upload improvements to designs or download them to 3D print components.

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Gallery: Why hardware needs to go open source

ByNicole Kobie

The end goal for Wevolver's version of the robot is to use it as an avatar for hospitalised children, letting them control it from their hospital bed and see through its eyes, such as on a trip to the zoo to see the penguins. "It's cost a few hundred quid because it's open source," Geenen said.

Gallery: Why hardware needs to go open source

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Geenen also pointed to a smaller robot standing on the table, made by Japanese company PLEN Project. Because it's open hardware anyone can print it themselves, or buy one and fiddle with the design. "By making it available, you open the opportunity to do more with it," said Geenan.

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It's not only robotics that benefit from open source hardware, Geenen said. He points to open-source prosthetic designs that have been uploaded to his site, letting anyone download the plans to print, personalise or improve them.

Affordable 3D printing enables open-source hardware because it allows anyone to print any design they can find, but Geenen notes that open source designs helped bring down prices of 3D printers in the first place. The RepRap was one of the first affordable 3D printers, and that was because the design was open source and could itself be 3D printed, he notes. "Because of those open source printers, MakerBot and others could make super cheap printers and get them into the hands of people," said Geenen. "And now they're being used to make open source products. It's this loop."

Geenen said it's important that children see open-source hardware in action at events such as WIRED NextGen. "What's great about this event is they're going to grow up with this idea that I can make stuff and not just consume... and grow up with a sharing mindset."

WIRED Next Generation is dedicated to inspiring youths aged 13- to 19-year-olds to become the next wave of technologists, entrepreneurs and innovators.